The Florida scrub-jay, the only bird found exclusively in the Sunshine State, and its fascinating habitat are the features of the sixth annual Florida Scrub-Jay Festival in Brevard County on Saturday, Feb. 28.

The charismatic songbird is an important part of Florida’s natural heritage, and this federally threatened species needs people’s help in order to survive.

The festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, home to one of the largest populations of scrub-jays in the state. Children and adults can learn more about Florida scrub-jays and explore their dry, sandy scrub habitat at this free event, which includes guided nature walks, live animal displays, activities for kids, educational presentations, live music and a Q & A with scrub-jay experts. An “early-bird” hike starts at 8 a.m.

This native Florida bird is all about family support.

“Unlike most birds, Florida scrub-jays live in multigenerational family groups,” said Angela Tringali, Florida scrub-jay conservation coordinator at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). “Young from previous years stay home and help their parents raise their younger siblings.

“Scrub-jay family groups defend their territory from their neighbors and take turns keeping a look-out for predators. During the festival, you may have the chance to observe some of these special behaviors,” Tringali noted.

Populations of the Florida scrub-jay are thought to have declined by as much as 90 percent since the late 1800s due to habitat loss. More recently, scrub-jays have continued to decline even on protected lands due to habitat management constraints. Historically, periodic wildfires maintained the shrubby, open habitat that scrub-jays and other wildlife need to survive. Now scrub-jays and other plants and animals rely on agencies like the FWC and its partners to use prescribed fire and other methods to maintain the shrubby habitat they need. People also benefit from maintenance of scrub habitat thanks to the sandy soil’s positive filter effect on Florida’s aquifer, which provides the state with fresh drinking water.

Reducing use of pesticides around homes and golf courses, since scrub-jays feed on insects;

Reporting harassment or harm to scrub-jays or their nests to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline, 888-404-FWCC (3922).

The festival is co-sponsored by the FWC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Scrub-Jay Consortium, Florida Park Service and Around the Bend Nature Tours. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, where the festival is being held, is on State Road 402, 5 miles east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 1 and state Route 406 in Titusville.

Teaching children a lifelong hobby, instilling appreciation for our marine environment and providing fun, family outings are the objectives for the Kids’ Fishing Clinic in Crystal River on Feb. 28.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) will offer a free Kids’ Fishing Clinic for children between the ages of 5 and 15 from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 28 at Fort Island Trail Park, 12073 W. Fort Island Trail.

These free clinics enable young people to learn the basics of environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills and safety. In addition, environmental displays will offer participants a unique chance to experience Florida’s marine life firsthand.

Kids’ Fishing Clinics strive to achieve several goals, but the main objective is to create responsible marine-resource stewards by teaching children about the vulnerability of Florida’s marine ecosystems. In addition, organizers hope to teach fundamental saltwater fishing skills and provide participants a positive fishing experience.

Fishing equipment and bait are provided for kids to use during the clinic, but organizers encourage children who own fishing tackle to bring it. A limited number of rods and reels will be given away to participants upon completion of the clinic.

If conditions allow, participants will have the opportunity to practice their new skills and fish from the pier. This event is a photo catch-and-release activity. An adult must accompany all participants.

Individuals or companies interested in helping sponsor this event or volunteering at the clinic should contact Chris Cole at 352-527-7544 or the FWC’s Jason Dalton at 850-487-0554.

To find out more about fishing clinics for kids, go to MyFWC.com/Fishing and select the “Youth & Student” option under “Education.”

“Don’t wait. Take your hunter safety course before spring turkey season begins,” said JoAnne Peagler, FWC’s Northeast Region hunter safety coordinator. “This is a great opportunity for those hunters who utilized the mentor exemption and need a course this year.”

All firearms, ammunition and materials are provided free of charge. Students should bring a pen or pencil and paper. An adult must accompany children younger than 16 at all times.

Anyone born on or after June 1, 1975, must pass an approved hunter safety course and have a hunting license to hunt alone (unsupervised). The FWC course satisfies hunter-safety training requirements for all other states and Canadian provinces.

The class times and dates vary for each location and county. Those interested in attending a course can register online and obtain information about future hunter safety classes by going to MyFWC.com/HunterSafety and selecting “classes” or by calling the Ocala hunter safety office at 352-625-2804.

]]>Join free fun at Apopka Wildlife Festival & Birdapalooza http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2015/january/28/birdapalooza-0215/Wed, 28 Jan 2015 14:29:15 GMT http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2015/january/28/birdapalooza-0215/Join friends and neighbors for free birding tours, live entertainment, exhibitors and much more at Birdapalooza, a celebration Feb. 7 of the rich diversity of birds and wildlife on Lake Apopka on the shores of one of Florida’s largest lakes.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is one of many sponsors involved with the festival. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Festival & Birdapalooza starts at 9 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. Feb. 7 at Magnolia Park, 2929 S. Binion Road, Apopka.

“Worthwhile” is the word Dennis Renfro, an FWC biologist, uses to describe Birdapalooza. “It will be a day of fun and learning for the whole family.”

This year’s event features nature and photography walking tours on the Lake Apopka Loop Trail, bus tours, music and entertainment, exhibitors and vendors, a bounce house, a tree giveaway, face painting, live animal demonstrations and more.

For more information on the third annual event and to register for tours at this year’s Birdapalooza, visit its website at http://www.birdapalooza.com/ and check out the options under “Birdapalooza” in the banner across the top of the page.

]]>Contracted nuisance alligator trappers sought for southern Lake Co. http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2015/january/22/gator-trappers-lake/Thu, 22 Jan 2015 07:45:05 GMT http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2015/january/22/gator-trappers-lake/The Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program is now accepting applications for nuisance alligator trappers to work in Lake County south of the Turnpike. Applicants must have a clean criminal history and no fish or wildlife violations. Applicants must reside in Lake County and have a valid working email address.

All applications must be received by Friday, Jan. 30. Visit MyFWC.com/Alligator for more information and to submit an application. Send an e-mail to FWCGATOR@MyFWC.com with any questions about the available position.

]]>2 die in fatal boating accident on Lake Jesup http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2014/december/29/boating-accident/Mon, 29 Dec 2014 15:18:52 GMT http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2014/december/29/boating-accident/Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) investigators are still piecing together factors that led to a fatal airboat accident on Lake Jesup, which killed two central Florida men and injured two women.

The accident occurred on Dec. 28 at about 7 p.m. when an airboat containing five people struck the overhead portion of the State Road 417 Bridge near its south end.

Two other passengers, Vickie Lee Cruz of Sorrento and Rhonda Lyn Silvia of Orlando, were taken to Orlando Regional Medical Center with injuries. Leslie Ann Cruz, wife of the deceased vessel operator, was not physically injured.

Cruz’s body was recovered shortly after the accident. Arnold’s body was recovered late the next morning by teams from the FWC, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and the Seminole County Fire Department. The investigation is ongoing.

]]>FWC captures bear in neighborhood where Lake Mary woman was bitten http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2014/december/05/lake-mary-bear/Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:37:30 GMT http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2014/december/05/lake-mary-bear/Thursday night, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) captured a bear in the Lake Mary neighborhood where a woman was bitten by a bear on her upper arm the night before.

Based on observations of FWC staff, reports by residents and information from the victim, the bear was captured and euthanized. Biological samples have been collected for additional information.

The euthanized bear had three cubs, two of which were captured by the FWC. Unfortunately, one of the two cubs that were captured died. FWC staff who trap wildlife are trained and use the best equipment and procedures available. However, whenever animals are handled there is always a risk. A necropsy will be performed on the cub to try to determine the cause of death.

The cub that remains in captivity is old enough to survive on its own and will be released back into the wild. FWC biologists will attempt to capture the remaining cub and hope to release it at the same time as the other cub.

The FWC remains committed to maintaining the safety of the residents in this neighborhood. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action with any bears that pose a threat to public safety.

Area residents should continue to be aware of their surroundings and always supervise pets and children while outdoors. Go to MyFWC.com/Bear to learn more about how to avoid conflicts with bears. The FWC asks residents to report any threatening bear behavior to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

The woman was walking her dog at the time of the incident. The dog caused the woman to fall down when it pulled on its leash to pursue a bear. The bear bit the woman on the arm and then left. Family members transported the woman to Central Florida Regional Medical Center. The dog was uninjured.

FWC law enforcement officers and biologists immediately responded to the scene. They will remain in the area and continue trapping efforts until the situation is resolved.

The FWC reminds residents in this area to be aware of their surroundings and always supervise pets and children while outdoors. The FWC relies on residents to report threatening bear behavior. Residents should contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922) to report any threatening bear activity.

]]>Help plan the future of Hilochee Wildlife Management Area http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2014/december/01/hilochee-wma-planning/Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:45:34 GMT http://www.myfwc.com/news/news-releases/2014/december/01/hilochee-wma-planning/A 10-year plan for the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area (WMA) will be presented at a Dec. 16 public hearing in Lake County.

People are invited to the 7 p.m. public hearing at the Lake County Commission Chambers, 315 W Main St., in Tavares.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) staff will present the draft land management plan for the FWC-managed portions of the Hilochee WMA, and people will be encouraged to comment and ask questions. For more information on the upcoming local public hearing, go to MyFWC.com/Conservation and select “Terrestrial Programs” then “Management Plans.”

The Hilochee WMA is located within central Florida’s Green Swamp, a critical natural resource that nourishes the headwaters of five rivers – the Hillsborough, Ocklawaha, Peace, Little Withlacoochee and Withlacoochee – and recharges the Floridan aquifer. Much of the Hilochee land was used in the past for citrus groves, cattle ranches and pine plantations, so native habitats are being restored here to support fish and wildlife.

Recreational opportunities at Hilochee, located in both Lake and Polk counties, include hunting Florida wild turkey, deer and hogs, going fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill, horseback riding and hiking.

Wildlife watchers here encounter a wide array of birds such as the great blue heron, little blue heron, wood stork, belted kingfisher, bald eagle and osprey, as well as butterflies, including Monarchs, which appear mostly in fall.

“The Hilochee WMA was purchased in order to ensure the preservation of fish and wildlife resources, other natural and cultural resources, and for fish- and wildlife-based public outdoor recreation,” said Rebecca Shelton, FWC land conservation biologist. “This draft plan will specify how we intend to do that.”

All lands purchased with public funds must have a management plan that ensures the property will be managed in a manner that is consistent with the intended purposes of the purchase.

Hunting and fishing regulations are not included in this plan or meeting; those are addressed through a separate public process.

To obtain a copy of the draft land management prospectus for the Hilochee WMA, call David Alden at 850-487-9588 or email David.Alden@MyFWC.com.

For background on management plans and their goals, visit MyFWC.com/Conservation and select “Terrestrial Programs” then “Management Plans.”

Go to MyFWC.com/Viewing/Recreation and click on Wildlife Management Areas to find out more about the Hilochee WMA and access the Hilochee bird list.

The ceremony is Nov. 18 at 10 a.m. at the Mosquito Lagoon Marine Enhancement Center, formerly the site of New Smyrna Beach High School, at 520 Barracuda Blvd. in New Smyrna Beach. The facility received an extreme makeover this year. The project is one piece of a long-term plan regarding estuarine habitat restoration in northeast Florida.

The marsh features a shoreline stabilization demonstration area for visitors to learn about environmentally friendly stabilization techniques. The on-site partner, Marine Discovery Center, will expand its programs for all ages by using the marsh and a new kayak launch.

Come out and join the FWC and the many dedicated partners - NOAA Restoration Center and Habitat Conservation Division, St. Johns River Water Management District, Marine Discovery Center, Costa Del Mar Inc., city of New Smyrna Beach, Wildlife Foundation of Florida and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - to celebrate and learn about this project. Following the ceremony, a short walking tour of the site and overview of each element will be provided.